Ostrava

Ostrava is the capital city of the region of Severomoravsky in the northeastern Czech Republic, situated in a coal-mining region near the junction of the Ostravice and Oder Rivers. Founded as a fortified town in 1267, it was a prosperous medieval center. Its castle was destroyed in 1495, but the 13th-century St. Wenceslaus' Church and the 17th-century Old Town Hall tower survive today. It is a culturally active community, with a philharmonic orchestra and an opera house. It is also an industrial center, taking advantage of the rich black coal mines of the surrounding area (some extending into the city limits) to create thriving mining and metallurgical industries. Chemical fertilizers, mining equipment, automobiles, and coal-fired electrical power are also produced. The 2003 estimated population was 317,700.